The Journey - From The Gathering to The Bridging - Book 1.5 of the Lia Fail Chronicles: Lia Fail Chronicles, #1.5

By S.L. Dearing

*After the battle at the Black Castle, the survivors have returned home and peace has once again settled on the village of Lia Fail, but the adventure is only just beginning.

The Journey, From The Gathering to The Bridging, Book 1.5 of the Lia Fail Chronicles is a collection of short covering the gap of almost two years from the end of The Gathering and taking the reader into the next novel, The Bridging. A Wish, A Touch, A Kiss, A Birthday and A Storm contain vital information in the continuation of The Lia Fail Chronicles.

A Wish ~ It has been just over a year since the Gathering was last hosted at Lia Fail and peace has once again returned to the little village, but the scars of the past are affecting everyone in the Stark family.  It's the Christmas/Yule season and Alia Stark is desperate to bring joy back into her house. So as she watches the stars flickering in the velvet night sky, she sees several shoot across the void and it's then she makes… A Wish.

A Touch ~ It is February in Lia Fail. The chilly winter air is making ready for spring, and more changes are in store for the Stark family, when a wagon train from Old Idaho arrives. As a relationship dissolves, one is born, and another is rediscovered. The magic of the new world is making itself more prevalent in the form of the tiny pixies, while the untapped powers of those who have invoked the goddess are beginning to surface. Darkness once again walks the edge of the tiny village and it all begins with… A Touch.

A Kiss ~ Winter has given way to Spring in the hamlet of Lia Fail, and with the season comes rebirth and new love. We continue to learn more about the Fahey and Mercer families as well as how the magic of the New World is growing. In addition, Molly Creegan has always been a dedicated soldier, but now new feelings are awakening inside her. Her courage on the field of battle has never been in question, but is she brave enough to offer up her heart with… A Kiss.

A Birthday  ~ The Stark family comes together to celebrate someone who has become very important and special to each one of them for different reasons. The joyous occasion brings hope and closure for many members of the family in… The Birthday.

A Storm ~ Summer in Lai Fail is normally hot and dry, but there is something amiss. When the grey clouds of a typical June gloom day grow darker and darker and the winds pick up speed, Alia and her people must figure out where the tempest is coming from and what it means. With the help of the unicorns, as well as the people of Lia Fail, will their strength and love be enough to protect them all from the power of… The Storm.

*This was previously titled From The Gathering to The Bridging.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SLDearing
• Release date: Jun 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501455049

Book preview

Copyright

This Book is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

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Copyright © 2014 by Shannon L. Dearing

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All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

For all information, please contact the author at www.SLDearing.com.

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The artwork used on the cover of this book is done so expressly by permission of the artist. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this artwork or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

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All information pertaining to the cover art may be sent through the author at the website www.SLDearing.com.

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Cover art by McMinimy Designs

Available through Rising Indies United

www.RisingIndiesUnited.com/services

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A Wish, A Touch, A Birthday, A Kiss: Edited by Cynthia Shepp

A Storm: Edited by Virginia Cantrell

Dedications

Collection Dedication

I dedicate this collection to everyone who helped me get back on track with my writing over the last few years. To my fans, for yelling and screaming... very nicely... at me. And to all my author friends, who have kept me on point. Thank you for having my back and for making me strive to get better and better.

Individual Dedications

A Wish

This story is dedicated to all the fans of Lia Fail, your endless support and constant barrage of demands for the next book have brought about the Lia Fail Short Stories. With your kind permission, I present the first of many stories to lead you to the next book in the Lia Fail Chronicles. I thank you always for your kindness, support, and love... Enjoy.

A Touch

To my Soul Sister, Natalie.

Her love of Lia Fail brought her to me, and her heart enchanted me, which I am grateful for every day.

And to My Magen. My fellow obsessor, my sounding board, my task master, my fellow writer, my friend.

I adore you both, more than you can ever know.

A Kiss

To everyone who dreams of love,

May you find what you seek

And may that Kiss be as brilliant as a shooting star.

A Birthday

This was a special story that was written for my friend Magen, as she is my inspiration for the character of the same name. She was gracious enough to let me share it with all the other Lia Fail Fans. This is a special Bonus story, but still an integral part of the journey.

Thank you, Magen, for sharing this story with all of us.

A Storm

For all of us who have weathered the storms of our lives. Whether physical, mental, spiritual or emotional,

we made it through.

And to all of those who held our hand, helped us up, made us keep going and wouldn’t let us give up, thank you for making us strong.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Copyright

A Wish

A Touch

A Kiss

A Birthday

A Storm

About S.L. Dearing

More from S.L. Dearing

:Title Pages:Wish-titlepage.jpg

A Wish

The cold December mist fell softly against Alia’s skin as she leaned on the frosty limestone of the balcony looking out over the darkened valley. The castle lay quiet in the early morning hours. The only sounds she heard were the wind in the trees, the occasional nocturnal call of the wild, and the light snoring coming from the man in her bed. The Oak Moon was bright and nearly full; this year it would be a Christmas moon.

Paul and Alia had long ago merged the traditions of Christmas and Yule in one grand Stark holiday. Even those of different faiths reveled in the celebration. Lia Fail was covered in garland and lights, with Christmas trees in all the common areas. Anyone who wished could decorate the common trees. The eclectic ornaments, as well as the variety of tinsel and swag, reflected the dreams and wishes of everyone in the village. With each trimming that was hung, a prayer was sent to the gods in hope of being answered.

Yule had begun a few days before, so the tree was burning in the great fire pit, slowly... it had been very green. Amongst the Christmas decorations were the offerings of Yule. From the walkways and parapets hung boughs of pine, holly, and mistletoe, and at several alters around the village were laid out the gifts of cakes, ale, cinnamon sticks, apples, oranges, lemons, pinecones, cider, and nutmeg—all lending to the wonder of the season.

Alia closed her eyes and inhaled the cold air deeply into her body. The twins had only been moved into the nursery a few days before and she was feeling separation anxiety. The soft noises that lulled her to sleep over the last three months were now silent as the babies lay in the room next to hers. She still woke up every few hours to check on them, despite the fact they were sleeping through the night.

As she exhaled, she looked at the heavens. The clear winter sky was littered with stars, bright and shining like thousands of rhinestones on charcoal velvet. Her mouth curled upward as she gazed at the stunning portrait nature had painted. In her revelry, she noticed two celestial bodies flashing across the ether in tandem, as if they were glittering hummingbirds racing towards the coveted nectar of a flower. Memories of her childhood flooded her psyche—Thanksgiving with her brother, sisters, and cousins at her grandmother’s home in Long Beach, her father and her uncle watching football as her mother and her aunts chatted in the kitchen, birthdays at Farrell’s Ice Cream parlor, and Christmas in the mountains. She remembered watching the stars with her siblings and her grandfather, and when they saw a shooting star, they made a wish. Make a wish.

As the stars trailed out of sight, Alia shut her eyes tightly and made a wish. Her lips moving silently as she held her breath, the act somehow implying that through sheer concentration of will it would come true. Her skin prickled as she exhaled and opened her eyes. The cosmic gems now gone from her sight, she felt tears begin to pool and just as she was about to give herself over to melancholy, she felt Sean’s arms wrap around her.

None of that, baby.

She turned her head and allowed her forehead to rest against his cheek, his stubble scratching her skin as his warm breath cascaded against her face.

I thought I was the one with the powers, she said.

He chuckled softly.

I think I know you better than I know myself, Al.

I think you do.

Miss those little noises, huh? he asked.

I do, but they need to be in their own room. It was time, but I think I’m sad... I think they’re the last ones I’ll have. I feel like I should be relieved, but I’m not. I feel like I’ve been pregnant for half of my life.

Al, you have been pregnant for half of your life.

Alia laughed and turned to face her man, wrapping her arms around his waist as he cupped her face in his hands.

I’m so glad we got to have Grace and Michael... I needed to have a child with you, she said.

Me too, but, Al, it doesn’t mean we can’t stop trying.

Trying?

Sean gazed into the golden eyes of his love and smiled.

Trying to have more.

Show me, she whispered.

Alia bit her bottom lip as Sean lowered his face to hers. His thumb pulled her fleshy pout free of her teeth, and he pressed his mouth to hers. His fingers twisted in her wavy, auburn locks, as her fingers curled and dug into the flesh of his back. She felt his hand leave her head and relocate to her body, as he lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bed. He gently laid her on the covers and proceeded to show her exactly what he meant.

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Hey.

Chris cocked his head to the left, looking behind him. Tanner walked towards him and patted him affectionately on the back, as Chris resumed staring into the night.

Hey.

What are you doin’? It’s late, Tanner said.

Chris shrugged and stared out into the night.

Got a lot on my mind.

Yeah, I can... feel it.

Sorry, mumbled Chris.

It took the boys a few weeks to realize that although Tanner had received the gifts of the goddess, they transferred to Chris as well. The dreams he had been having when the Shape was holding his brother and the others captive were more than dreams. The bruises and pain he had experienced were real. Their connection had been established at birth and when Tanner invoked the power of the Morrighan with Sam and Alia, the powers he absorbed were also given to Chris.

They initially discovered the transfer at breakfast. No one would pass the salt to Chris and in a bout of frustration, he reached out his hand and said, "Salt, please!" The shaker promptly flew across the table and into his waiting hand. After talking to Christopher, Alia and Beverly determined that the twins must have been connected in such a way that they could share what had been given to Tanner. They decided it was like a pipeline between the two of them, but even though Tanner received the full force of their powers during the invocation, the powers Chris received seemed to grow over time.

Tanner seemed to ease effortlessly into his new gifts, never having a real transition period, but Chris was struggling to control them. It seemed this was the pattern with the twins their entire lives. Tanner always looked at ease with everything he did, slow and sure with an easy outcome, whereas Chris always charged in and subsequently struggled with his endeavors. His frustration was now obvious as his powers grew.

Talk to me, man.

Chris frowned and took a deep breath.

I never asked for this, Tanner. I mean, I know some people would love to be able to do whatever it is we do, but I’m not one of those people.

Tanner nodded, pensively listening to his brother.

Everything I do turns to shit. Everything, Chris continued, and I’m angry! I miss Alisha so much, and Dad, Frank, Colleen, and I don’t know why. I mean, time is supposed to heal all wounds, not make them worse, but I feel worse. And I’m sorry, but, Tan, I’m really mad at you. I’m mad that because of you, I have to deal with this. I’m mad at you because it’s all so easy for you. I’m mad at you because you and Chelsea are so happy. And I’m angry with myself because I feel like this. I hate it.

Tanner looked around and then furrowed his brow, while taking a deep breath.

Hmm, well, I’m sorry you got roped into this... hell, sometimes I’m sorry I got roped into this. It seemed to be the only thing to do at the time. I get that you’re mad. You had no choice in the matter, but there isn’t anything we can do about it now. It is what it is. As far as Dad, Alisha, Colleen and Frank, we’re all dealing with that the best way we can. I don’t know why it’s worse for you now. Maybe cause you didn’t get to say goodbye. Maybe you’re more sensitive to all that energy because of who you are... I don’t know. I do know that you’ve always been more sensitive than I have and maybe that’s why you got powers as well as me.

I’m sorry, Chris said.

It’s cool. I don’t know what to say about Chels. Are you and Hannah having problems?

Chris continued staring into the glittering night, and then cautiously looked over at his brother. The earnest look of concern on Tanner’s face made Chris start to crack. He fought desperately to fight the tears that started to well up and turned back to the darkness before him.

Hannah dumped me.

What? Tanner asked, dumbfounded.

Yeah, she called me on the Ham. Told me things just weren’t working out. I should have seen it coming. She was different at the last Gathering. She spent more time with the girls and Albie than with me. She was distant. I just thought it was me being stupid. Now I know; I’m just an idiot. Fuck my life.

Chris...

Don’t... I know I have a lot to be thankful for. I know that. But I can’t help feeling sorry for myself right now.

Look, man, I...

Please... I know you wanna help, but I just need to work this out myself.

Ok. Chris. I love you, brother.

Love you.

Tanner stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets as he strolled across the room, glancing over his shoulder at his brother. Frowning, he turned to the door and walked out. Chris closed his eyes. He felt a lone tear escape the confines of his lid and roll down his face. His ire and grief flooded every pore of his being. He hated the way he felt. It was Christmas. It was time to be happy and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t seem to dig his way out of the gloom that closed around him like a massive anaconda, squeezing tighter and tighter, smothering the joy out of him. No longer able to push the fury down, he let go and sobbed.

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Help me up.

Ian looked up and saw a very pregnant Kaley trying to get out of her chair, reaching her hand out to him. He dropped the letter he was reading and quickly rose to help her.

Hold on, babe, he said, smiling.

It’s not funny. I think I get bigger after I eat. I love breakfast. I’m fat.

Kaley pouted as Ian slipped his arm around her and helped her out of the chair. She stood and stretched, then held her eight-month-expectant belly in her hands, the way a protective, soon-to-be mother would.

I’m not sure how much longer I can take this.

Ian stood behind her, smiling, and began rubbing her back. She sighed as his strong, yet gentle hands eased the tension in her muscles. As she leaned back slightly, he lowered his mouth to her ear.

You’re not fat, you don’t get bigger when you eat, and you won’t have to do this much longer, Kale.

She smiled and relished the thought of holding her baby in her arms, She felt Ian chuckle behind her.

What’s so funny? she asked.

It just dawned on me that our child’s aunt and uncle will only be five months older then he or she will be. Big families.

Does that bother you?

No, I love it. I think we should have a ton of kids like your parents did.

Kaley turned around with raised eyebrows.

Slow down, sport. Let me see what it’s like to have one, then we can tackle how many.

Smiling, Ian nodded.

Sorry, I forgot I’m not the one doing the heavy lifting on this one.

Kaley tried to remain stern but started to laugh and leaned back against her husband. They heard a knock. Kaley turned and looked as Ian strolled over to see who was at the door. Standing on the other side were Lisa and Amanda, the latter rushed in and promptly placed her face to Kaley’s tummy.

Manda needed a belly fix.

Mmmmmm, Amanda agreed as she smiled, her cheek pressed to Kaley’s stomach.

Kaley laughed softly and stroked Amanda’s hair, while Lisa took a seat on the arm of the farthest chair and observed. Kaley watched her and then looked at Ian. Taking the cue, he walked over to the chair, sat down, and pulled the eleven-year-old girl into his lap.

How are you, ladybug?

Lisa shrugged and looked down at her fingers. Since Alisha’s death, Lisa had begun to withdraw. She was becoming quieter and quieter, spending all of her time studying or reading, keeping to herself. None of her siblings seemed to be able to